30 Best Workforce Management Software of 2024: Reviewed
10 Best Workforce Management Software List
Here's my pick of the 10 best software from the 30 tools reviewed.
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Finding the best workforce management software for you is no easy feat. You know you need software to help you schedule your staff, track time, and improve employee productivity, but you need to find the right tool for the job.
In this post, I'll help you simplify this process by sharing my insights on the best workforce management tools based on my research and experience as an HR specialist. I'll help you narrow down your options to find the best fit for your specific business needs.
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Best Workforce Management Software: Pricing Comparison Chart
This comparison chart summarizes pricing details for my top workforce management software selections to help you find the best software for your budget and business needs.
| Tools | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Deel | Flat rate user pricing, with a free version for businesses with up to 200 people | Website |
| Rippling | From $8/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
| GoCo | From $5/employee/month | Website |
| Paycor | Pricing upon request | Website |
| Replicon | From $6/user/month | Website |
| Connecteam | From $29/month (for up to 30 users, billed annually) + $0.5/user/month for each additional user | Website |
| RemoFirst | From $25/user/month | Website |
| Arcoro | Pricing upon request | Website |
| TimeTrex | From $5/user/month | Website |
| ExakTime Time & Attendance | From $9/employee/month + $50/month base fee | Website |
Compare Software Specs Side by Side
Use our comparison chart to review and evaluate software specs side-by-side.
Compare Software-
Deel
Visit WebsiteThis is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.8 -
Rippling
Visit WebsiteThis is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.8 -
Willo
Visit WebsiteThis is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.8
Best Workforce Management Software Reviews
Below you’ll find my detailed summaries of the best workforce management software that earned a spot in my top 10 list, including notes on why I picked them. Each review offers a detailed look at the key features, pros & cons, integrations, and ideal use cases of each system to help you find the best WFM software for you.
Deel is an end-to-end global workforce management platform with local expertise in over 150 countries.
Why I picked Deel: I chose this platform for my list because it makes it easy to manage both employees and contractors across the world. It gives you a complete view of your entire workforce, no matter where in the world they’re located. Its feature set includes contract management, expense reimbursements, and off-cycle adjustments.
If you want to hire international employees, the company acts as an employer of record. It handles both payroll and benefits so you don’t need to open up a foreign entity. And to hire global contractors, the software helps you avoid misclassification with legal-reviewed contracts. It's a great way to hire international talent in a flexible way.
Deel Standout Features and Integrations
Standout features include the global HR services provided by the company. This includes a global mobility service, which can help you with visa sponsorship for international candidates. It's nice to have both the software and the services all provided by the same company.
Another helpful feature is the software's Slack plugin. It can be used to create an accessible organizational chart, provide self-service PTO management, and even track applicant referrals. Furthermore, Deel offers free HR software for businesses to help automate admin and reporting for global teams.
Integrations include Ashby, BambooHR, Expensify, Greenhouse, Hibob, Netsuite, Okta, OneLogin, Quickbooks, SCIM, Xero, Workday, and Workable. An Open API is also available to build your own integrations.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Simplifies payroll using multiple currencies
- Managed by 200+ local legal and tax compliance experts
- Tailored for international organizations
Cons:
- No free trial available
- Overlapping plan features require custom pricing
Rippling is an all-in-one workforce management software that covers every aspect of traditional human resources needs.
Why I picked Rippling: You can use it to streamline your HR processes and automate common tasks such as payroll processing and onboarding new hires. Additionally, it helps businesses save money by consolidating multiple services into one platform. It's also user-friendly and intuitive, so you don’t need prior knowledge or technical expertise to use it effectively.
Rippling Standout Features and Integrations
Features include payroll processing, employee onboarding, time tracking, benefits management, and performance reviews. You can streamline your entire employee onboarding process through Rippling's automated platform, from creating digital versions of documents to collecting signatures electronically.
This means you can quickly set new hires up with their benefits, credentials, and payroll accounts without filling out paperwork or dealing with tedious manual processes. Their system also includes an automated offboarding process that makes it easy to deactivate access rights or terminate contracts in one place.
Rippling's analytics feature provides insights into business operations such as payroll, benefits, company credit cards, software licenses, and more, enabling teams to make better data-driven decisions. Rippling also offers a user-friendly dashboard that provides an excellent visual presentation of key metrics to help you keep track of mission-critical objectives like cost savings or productivity goals.
Their payroll management features are intuitive and cover everything you'd expect, from detailed tax reports to customizable settings for deductions, bonuses, and commissions. You can create aggregated reports showing each employee's total compensation, including taxes, benefits, and other deductions. You can also compare salaries among different departments, teams, or locations.
Integrations include popular third-party apps, such as Password, Asana, Atlassian, BrightHire, Checkr, Databricks, DocuSign, Dropbox, GitHub, Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, Slack, Typeform, QuickBooks, and Zoom, for added convenience.
GoCo is a comprehensive HR platform designed to simplify and automate various human resources tasks for small and mid-sized businesses. It offers solutions for onboarding, benefits administration, payroll, and more, all within a single, user-friendly interface.
Why I picked GoCo: I like its robust onboarding capabilities that enable you to create customizable onboarding workflows, allowing new hires to complete necessary documentation, such as I-9 and W-4 forms, digitally. This digital approach not only accelerates the onboarding process but also ensures compliance with legal requirements. Additionally, GoCo's platform allows you to assign tasks to team members, ensuring that every step of the onboarding process is completed efficiently.
Another standout feature is GoCo's time tracking and PTO management system. Employees can easily clock in and out, submit timesheets, and request time off through the platform. Managers receive notifications for approval, and the system automatically updates PTO balances and accruals.
GoCo Standout Features and Integrations
Standout features include performance management tools that facilitate regular employee evaluations, compliance management to help your business adhere to employment laws and regulations, and document management for storing and organizing HR documents securely.
Integrations include QuickBooks Online, ADP Workforce Now, Paychex, Slack, Zoom, Google Drive, Trello, JazzHR, Verified First, Checkr, Greenhouse, and Workable.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Flexible payroll integration options
- Automates various HR processes
- Strong onboarding and benefits administration
Cons:
- May not be ideal for large enterprises
- Limited customization options
Paycor is a comprehensive HR SaaS product designed to streamline payroll management, employee scheduling, and various other HR tasks.
Why I picked Paycor: I picked this software because of how scalable it is to meet the needs of various business sizes, models, and contexts. It covers payroll and benefits administration, talent acquisition and management, time tracking and scheduling, and compliance management. With these various tools, you can set up a customized solution based on your company's needs.
This software is a good option for those looking for something custom, rather than a one-size-fits-all platform. In addition to the specific modules provided by the company, advanced analytics and reporting tools are also included. You can run reports to monitor various aspects of your employee experience, lifecycle, and more.
Paycor Standout Features and Integrations
Standout features include the talent development features the platform offers. Employee onboarding tools and a learning management system help you improve employee performance and set people up on the right foot. You can also plan your compensation structures in the platform, which helps you connect pay with performance.
Integrations include HireTech, Emburse Certify, Zillion, Points North, FMLA, Tapcheck, Instant Pay, Sterling, Wageworks, and Ignite, among others.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Modular nature allows for easy customizations
- Many time-saving automations
- Includes HR solutions for specific niche industries
Cons:
- May be too expensive for smaller organizations
- Basic package limited to payroll features only
Replicon Time & Attendance is a comprehensive workforce management solution that simplifies time tracking and attendance management for businesses.
Why I Picked Replicon Time & Attendance: I included this software on my list because of its tools that help you drive accountability, visibility, and consistency across your workforce. The system automatically applies the latest legal requirements and provides configurable rule sets so you can ensure adherence with labor laws and internal policies. This is especially useful for companies operating in diverse regulatory environments or industries with intricate labor demands.
Replicon Time & Attendance Standout Features and Integrations
Standout features include the software's cutting-edge geofencing and mobile time tracking features. These help you ensure accurate clock-ins and clock-outs based on employees' physical presence at specific job sites or locations. This offers enhanced visibility and accountability for businesses with mobile or remote workforces, reducing the risk of time theft and inaccurate reporting.
Integrations include SAP, ADP, Salesforce, Quickbooks, Atlassian, Microsoft Dynamics, Sage, Servicenow, Zero, Zoom, Outlook Calendar, Microsoft Teams, Microsoft Azure DevOps, Google Meet, and Google Calendar, among others.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Highly customizable reports
- Activity tracking features
- Ability to analyze data in multiple ways
Cons:
- Advanced features, comes with a learning curve
- Interface could be easier to navigate
Connecteam is an all-in-one employee app and workforce management software that enables teams and HR managers to automate some of their business processes.
Why I picked Connecteam: The WFM platform can save you time and boost your workforce's productivity with its custom checklists, detailed reporting, and mobile-first digital forms. You can also schedule shifts and jobs more efficiently and keep track of employees’ work hours with an advanced GPS time clock.
The workforce management solution can help simplify the employee communication process, improve your staff's professional skills, and manage day-to-day operations, all from a single unified platform.
Connecteam Standout Features and Integrations
One standout feature is that the platform is compatible with both desktop and mobile. This allows employees to clock in from anywhere, which ultimately is what makes the GPS tool valuable.
You can also set up automated notifications and reminders for your employees through the platform. This is helpful for keeping everyone up to speed on announcements, updates, and other important company information.
Integrations include Paychex, Xero, Gusto, QuickBooks Payroll (online + desktop), Google Calendar and others.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Unlimited custom jobs with all plans
- Free plan for up to 10 employees
- Designed specifically for field teams
Cons:
- Some advanced time clock features limited in basic plan
- Only one time clock in the basic plan
Remofirst is a global employment platform that enables companies to hire and manage remote teams in over 160 countries without the need for establishing a local entity.
Why I picked Remofirst: I selected Remofirst for this list because it provides a suite of services that facilitate the hiring and management of remote teams globally. Overall, the platform provides an Employer of Record (EoR) service, taking on the legal and administrative responsibilities of employment, such as HR, payroll, tax, and compliance with local labor laws.
Remofirst is equipped with features for workforce management, including onboarding and offboarding processes, and provides dashboards and analytics for monitoring team distribution and expenses. Additionally, Remofirst's support for visa processing and global healthcare benefits can be crucial in helping your team account for the diverse needs of an international team.
Remofirst Standout Features and Integrations
Standout Features include international contractor management, RemoHealth health insurance, background checks, customizable payroll reports, payroll cost analysis, time and attendance tracking, and an employee self-service portal.
Integrations include third-party payment providers, such as Wise and PayPal.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Provides good value for money
- Good customer support for users
- Includes benefits management tools
Cons:
- Steep learning curve for new users
- No free version or trial
Arcoro is a workforce management software that's designed specifically to help construction businesses streamline their HR processes.
Why I picked Arcoro: This cloud-based solution offers a range of features, including succession planning, performance management, and compliance tracking. It made the cut for my list because not only does it cover a lot of ground, it's also especially designed to meet the needs of construction companies.
The software's ATS and onboarding modules make it easy to bring new talent to the company, while its core HR promotes transparency and improves employee engagement. Meanwhile, its time and attendance module makes sure your employees are where they're supposed to be and that they're safely doing their jobs. This can be done by collecting answers to questions via surveys.
Arcoro Standout Features and Integrations
Standout features that set this platform apart from other construction workforce management tools are mostly in its succession planning capabilities. This feature allows businesses to plan for the future by identifying potential leaders within their workforce and developing them to take on more responsibility. It's a great way to ensure that your business is prepared for the future and that you have a strong leadership pipeline in place.
Integrations include Acumatica, Procore, Quickbooks, Sage, and Viewpoint. All of these allow you to transfer data seamlessly with your existing construction software and business applications.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Outstanding customer care team
- Niche specialty in construction companies
- Great succession planning features
Cons:
- May not work for non-construction businesses
- Few out-of-the-box intregrations
TimeTrex is a comprehensive workforce management tool that automates time and attendance, payroll, and HR management in one platform.
Why I Picked TimeTrex: I like that TimeTrex has an advanced time and attendance tracking system, which includes biometric timeclocks and facial recognition technology. This feature not only eliminates the need for manual timesheets but also ensures that employees are accurately compensated for their time.
The integration with biometric devices and mobile apps also offers flexibility for diverse work environments, making it easier for businesses to manage a mobile workforce effectively.
TimeTrex Standout Features and Integrations
Standout features include geolocation and geofencing capabilities to ensure accurate clock-ins and clock-outs by setting up virtual perimeters for workplaces, preventing time fraud. The comprehensive reporting and analytics feature also helps unlock actionable insights, allowing businesses to analyze trends, identify areas for improvement, and make data-driven decisions.
Integrations include Paychex, ADP, Intuit QuickBooks, Sage, Paychex, Surepay, Ceridian, Meditech, Insync, Millennium, CompuPay, Tyler Technologies, Vensure Employer Services, and Accero.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Automated employee scheduling
- Advanced time tracking capabilities
- Offers a community edition that includes free-to-use basic features
Cons:
- User interface design looks a bit outdated
- No tax filing, just calculations
Best for managing a workforce of mobile staff
ExakTime Time & Attendance is a software with time tracking, location tracking, time off management, and other functionalities that help you manage your field team.
Why I picked ExakTime Time & Attendance: This is a good choice of platform for those managing field and mobile staff, which is why I included it on my list. Not only can employees working on job sites easily clock in and out of the system, they can do so using the mobile app or the weatherproof, sturdy time clocks provided by the company. It's as simple as clicking 'GO' and 'STOP' to start and end your day.
The system can also manage time off requests, overtime and payroll reporting, equipment tracking, and other elements of workforce management. Administrators have a comprehensive dashboard to monitor employee locations and hours worked. Injury and expense reporting are also included, and there are 40+ pre-built reports to help you track your workforce's performance.
ExakTime Time & Attendance Standout Features and Integrations
One of the standout features this product offers is multimedia field notes for employees. This allows your staff members to report on the work they've completed each day, helping keep clear and up-to-date records of work being done. This is especially helpful if different team members are swapping in and out of jobs, and need context to jump in and take over. It also helps you ensure work is documented, avoiding potential headaches down the line.
Integrations include Sage, QuickBook, Viewpoint, Foundation Software, ADP, Acumatica, ConstructionPayroll.com, MYOB, Paychex, and Workday, among others.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Hardware provided for clocking in and out on-site
- Connects with popular payroll platforms
- GPS tracking included
Cons:
- GPS only works if activated on the mobile device
- May not be suitable for office staff
Other Workforce Management Software
Here are a few more workforce management systems that didn’t make the top list. I didn’t have room for a full review for each of these but they are still worthy of consideration:
-
Veriato
For monitoring employee productivity
-
Jotform
For managing form e-signatures
-
Oracle HCM Cloud
High-security workforce management
-
Factorial
For employee performance
-
UZIO
For an HRIS
-
SAP SuccessFactors
For healthcare companies
-
Shiftboard
For workforce data intelligence
-
SyncHR
For a flexible org chart
-
Keka HR
For HR and payroll services
-
Alvaria Workforce Engagement Suite
Workforce management dashboard
-
Verint Workforce Management
For contingent workforce planning
-
BlueYonder
For remote workforce management
-
Calabrio Workforce Management
For call centers
-
SumTotal Workforce Management
Workforce learning management app
-
Fuse Workforce Management
For self-service scheduling
-
ClickUp
Workload visualization tool for workforce management
-
Remote
Global workforce management with international specialists
-
Paylocity
For gamifying employee performance management
-
Zoho Recruit
For automating the recruitment process
-
Justworks
WFM software with comprehensive employee benefits plans
Related HR Software Reviews
If you still haven't found what you're looking for here, check out these other related tools that we've tested and evaluated:
- HR Software
- Payroll Software
- Recruiting Software
- Employer of Record Services
- Applicant Tracking Systems
- Learning Management Systems
Selection Criteria for Workforce Management Software
Selecting the right workforce management software requires a detailed understanding of common operational needs, such as improved scheduling and attendance tracking abilities, plus the ability to monitor for compliance and uncover insights from workforce data.
My approach to choosing the best workforce management software is grounded in thorough research into how these tools optimize workforce efficiency and productivity while addressing common buyer needs and pain points.
Here's a summary of the selection criteria I used to create this list:
Core Workforce Management Software Functionalities (25% of total score): To be considered for inclusion in my list of the best workforce management software, the solution had to support the ability to fulfill common use cases, including:
- Automating employee scheduling to match business demand
- Tracking time and attendance accurately for payroll processing
- Managing tasks and projects to prioritize work
- Ensuring compliance with labor laws and regulations
- Providing analytics for decision-making and workforce optimization
Additional Standout Features (25% of total score): To help me determine the best workforce management software available, I also took note of any unique features, including:
- AI-driven analytics and reporting tools that offer deeper insights into workforce efficiency and productivity
- Mobile-friendly solutions or dedicated apps for remote workforce management, including deskless or mobile workers
- Advanced leave and absence management features that go beyond basic tracking
- Customization options that allow businesses to tailor the platform to their specific needs, including both corporate branding and workflow customizations
Usability (10% of total score): To evaluate the usability of each workforce management software, I considered the following:
- An intuitive design that simplifies complex scheduling and management tasks
- A responsive user interface that's easy to navigate on desktop or mobile apps
- Workflow automation tools to streamline repetitive tasks
- Clear, understandable analytics dashboards that provide actionable insights
- Role-based access controls that are easy to configure for different user levels
Onboarding (10% of total score): To get a sense of each software provider's customer onboarding process, I considered the following factors:
- Quick setup processes and clear guidance for first-time users, including customizable templates
- The availability of training materials such as videos, webinars, or interactive product tours
- Support for migrating data from other systems into the new platform
Customer Support (10% of total score): To evaluate the level of customer support each vendor offered, I considered the following:
- The availability of multiple support channels, including email, phone, and chat
- The existence of a self-service knowledge base or other self-help resources to speed up troubleshooting
- The overall quality, responsiveness, and helpfulness of the support team during customer onboarding and post-purchase, as inferred from customer reviews
Value for Price (10% of total score): To gauge the value of each software, I considered the following factors:
- The availability of free trials or demos to test the software before purchasing
- Transparent pricing models that clearly explain which features are included at each level
- Tiered pricing plans that cater to different business sizes, from small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) up to enterprise-level organizations
Customer Reviews (10% of total score): Evaluating customer reviews is the final element of my selection process, which helps me understand how well a product performs in the hands of real users. Here are the factors I considered:
- Whether a product has consistently high ratings across multiple review platforms, indicating a broad level of user satisfaction
- Specific praises, criticisms, or trends in customer feedback that indicate the software's strengths or areas for improvement
- Whether customer feedback specifically mentions issues with ease of use, customer support responsiveness, or lacking features
- Testimonials that highlight specific features that users found beneficial for their workforce management needs
Using this assessment framework helped me identify the workforce management software that goes beyond basic requirements to offer additional value through unique features, intuitive usability, smooth onboarding, effective support, and overall value for price.
Make sure the system you choose can grow with your company. You don’t want to outgrow it quickly, especially as your workforce gets larger or more complex.
How to Choose Workforce Management Software
Workforce management software can help you improve your scheduling processes, track employee work hours, foster better internal communications, address compliance, and ultimately, make many HR processes much easier.
To help you figure out which workforce management software best fits your needs, keep the following points in mind:
- What workforce management challenges are you trying to solve? First, identify the exact challenges you're trying to overcome, such as digitizing employee time and attendance tracking, automating scheduling, or rolling out task tracking across your workforce for better visibility. Understanding your pain points will guide you to select software with the features and functionalities you need to address them.
- What outcomes are important and how will you measure success? Decide in advance what success will look like for your new software. Are you hoping to cut down on administrative bottlenecks, or offer a better employee experience through a more mobile-friendly system? Or, perhaps you hope to increase productivity or reduce employee scheduling conflicts to address absenteeism? Being clear on your desired outcomes upfront is crucial to avoid wasting valuable time.
- Who are your primary user groups? Consider who will use the software, who your different user groups are, and how many licenses you'll need. You'll likely want admin-level access for all your HR professionals, plus role-based access for all your managers and team leads. Once that's clear, it's also useful to list the needs of your different user groups (i.e., power users, managers, and employees), to ensure they're all met.
- What software integrations do you need? Look for platforms that offer direct integrations with your current tools, such as HR management systems, payroll software, employee scheduling software, or time-tracking tools. This reduces the risk of errors and saves time spent on manual data entry. If you're aiming to consolidate multiple tools into one workforce management platform, search for one that also handles time tracking and payroll.
- Will the WFM software fit into your workflows? Consider how the software would fit into your day-to-day operations. Will it integrate easily or would you need to overhaul many internal processes? If your new system will be your first time digitizing your workforce management practices, look for software with an intuitive interface that’s straightforward for both managers and employees.
Remember, every business is different — don’t assume that a workforce management system will work for your organization just because it's popular. Instead, focus on your specific challenges to help you hone in on software that offers the features you need to improve your internal processes.
Trends in Workforce Management Software for 2024
Workforce management best practices, priorities, and areas of focus are always evolving, and the features and functionalities offered by software providers are continuously changing to keep up with changing business needs. Here are the most recent trends that are evolving the workforce management software landscape, including several unique developments:
- AI-driven Scheduling: AI-driven optimization algorithms are becoming more sophisticated, reducing manual effort and improving workforce allocation based on predictive analytics.
- Employee Engagement & Retention Tools: In response to the challenges of retention and employee engagement, workforce management software has shown an increase in features that monitor employee well-being and engagement levels. This includes features like employee surveys, feedback collection, and communication tools that give employees a voice.
- Enhanced Communication Tools: With the rise of hybrid and remote working, there's an increasing demand for tools that can address the unique challenges of a dispersed workforce, including communication tools such as direct messaging to bridge communication gaps, and automatic notifications to schedules that are synced to mobile devices.
- Compliance Management: With constantly changing labor laws, compliance management features are critical, ensuring businesses stay up-to-date with regulations and avoid penalties.
Unique and Unusual Functionality
- Virtual Reality (VR) Training Modules: Some workforce management platforms have started integrating VR for immersive training experiences, a novel approach to employee development.
- Blockchain for Timekeeping: The use of blockchain technology for secure and tamper-proof timekeeping records is an unusual yet emerging trend, offering unprecedented accuracy and security.
These trends in workforce management software indicate a shift towards more integrated, intelligent, and user-friendly solutions that also address ongoing challenges like employee engagement, retention, and creating a positive employee experience. Software that embraces these trends can lead to more strategic decision-making, efficient processes, and a more engaged and compliant workforce. Implementing these tools can be a significant step towards building resilient, future-ready organizations.
What is Workforce Management Software?
Workforce management software is a digital solution designed to manage and optimize various aspects of workforce operations. It encompasses functionalities such as employee scheduling, time and attendance tracking, leave and absence management, labor compliance, and performance management. This software aids in aligning workforce deployment with business needs, automating administrative tasks, and providing analytical insights for better decision-making.
Features of Workforce Management Software
Here are some of the top features I looked for when researching workforce management software:
- Automated Employee Scheduling: The ability to create work schedules, sometimes with a drag-and-drop calendar. You can also usually manage time off requests and shift swapping.
- Time & Attendance Tracking: This includes features like time clocks to track employee work hours, overtime tracking for compliance with labor laws, the option for team members to clock-in and clock-out from their mobile devices, and attendance monitoring to spot trends in absenteeism.
- Leave & Absence Management: In addition to tracking daily activities, workforce management software also includes tools to manage employee leave requests and approvals, ensuring that absences are tracked accurately and cross-referenced with work schedules to avoid disruptions to business operations.
- Task & Activity Management: By assigning and tracking tasks, workforce management software helps employees focus on their most critical activities first, boosting productivity.
- Forecasting & Budgeting: Workforce management software can help predict staffing needs and manage labor costs by analyzing trends and historical data, ensuring optimal staffing levels at all times.
- Analytics and Reporting: This includes tools to automatically track your KPIs, HR OKRs, and other core metrics in real-time, and reduce the time-consuming work of reporting with clear and automated dashboards. With insights into workforce performance and operational metrics, companies can make data-driven decisions to improve productivity.
- Mobile Access: Many workforce management systems offer mobile apps, providing easy access to schedules and other information to employees and managers from anywhere.
- Employee Self-Service Portal: Most systems offer a portal where employees can manage their schedules, request time off, and access important documents. This is important as it both empowers your staff and reduces the administrative workload on your HR staff and managers.
- Compliance Monitoring: Automatic compliance monitoring tools help companies ensure they adhere to labor laws and industry regulations (such as overtime and scheduling rules), reducing the risk of legal issues and fines.
- Integration Capabilities: The ability to integrate with other HR and business systems ensures a unified platform for all workforce management needs. Key integrations that are helpful include human capital management (HCM) software, employee experience software, shift scheduling software, project management software and communication tools like Slack or Microsoft Teams.
People more than ever need to have clarity into their vacation and time off. The culture is shifting from ‘Can I be gone?’ to letting my manager know ‘I will be gone.
Benefits of Workforce Management Software
Workforce management software has become an indispensable tool for businesses looking to streamline their HR operations, enhance employee satisfaction, and drive productivity. By automating various aspects of workforce management, these platforms offer a range of benefits that can significantly impact the bottom line and operational efficiency of any organization.
By selecting the best workforce management software for your needs, you can expect to gain the following benefits:
- Increased Operational Efficiency: Automating routine tasks like scheduling and time tracking reduces manual errors and frees up time for strategic activities. This efficiency gain means HR staff can focus more on employee engagement and less on paperwork, ultimately benefiting the business's bottom line.
- Improved Workforce Productivity: By leveraging features for task management, employees are better aligned with their roles, leading to optimized workloads and clearer expectations. This increased alignment ensures your team members are working on the right tasks at the right time, maximizing productivity.
- Enhanced Compliance: Compliance management tools help organizations stay on top of local, state, and federal labor laws, reducing the risk of costly legal issues. By automating compliance tasks, businesses can ensure they are always following the latest regulations without requiring extensive manual resources.
- Better Data-Driven Decision-Making & Insights: Analytics and reporting capabilities offer leaders a comprehensive view of workforce metrics, enabling data-driven decisions. This real-time visibility into workforce data helps managers identify trends, make informed decisions, and adjust strategies quickly to improve operational efficiency.
- Improved Employee Satisfaction & Retention: By empowering employees through a self-service portal, implementing workforce management software can lead to higher job satisfaction, lower turnover rates, and a more engaged workforce, as employees feel valued and in control of their work-life balance.
Workforce management software not only streamlines administrative processes but also plays a critical role in enhancing the strategic aspects of HR, such as talent management, employee engagement, and organizational culture. For businesses looking to remain competitive in a dynamic market, investing in the right workforce management solution is an effective way to increase efficiency and productivity, while improving employee satisfaction.
Costs & Pricing for Workforce Management Software
Workforce management solutions offer various plans and pricing options to serve different business sizes, needs, and budgets. Below, I've outlined the common plan options and pricing from a free tier for small businesses or those wanting to test the waters, to more comprehensive, feature-rich packages designed for larger enterprises.
Plan Comparison Table for Workforce Management Software
| Plan Type | Average Price | Common Features |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | Basic scheduling, time tracking, limited reporting, and access for a small number of users |
| Basic | $2-8 per user, per month | Automated scheduling, time and attendance tracking, basic compliance management, and employee self-service |
| Professional | $10-30 per user, per month | Advanced scheduling, real-time analytics and reporting, mobile access, and integration capabilities |
| Enterprise | Custom Pricing | Customizable features, advanced analytics, dedicated support, enterprise-grade security, and API access |
When considering which plan to choose, you should assess your specific business needs, the size of your workforce, and your budget. It's important to select a plan that not only meets your current requirements but also has the flexibility to adapt as your business grows and evolves.
If you only have a small number of employees, you can likely get started with a free or basic plan initially. However, there are many reasons why you may want to opt for a more advanced plan, including:
- Increased Workforce Size: Most basic plans limit the number of employees you can manage. As your employee headcount grows, you'll need to scale up to a plan that can accommodate more users and offer more extensive features and better scalability.
- Complex Scheduling Needs: As your company grows, managing complex schedules, shift swaps, and employee availability can become challenging. Advanced workforce management software offers robust scheduling features to streamline these tasks.
- Enhanced Reporting and Analytics: Basic plans often lack in-depth reporting capabilities. Upgrading allows for detailed analytics, helping you make data-driven decisions to improve productivity and efficiency.
- Integration with Other Systems: Most free or basic plans don't integrate well with other essential business systems like payroll, HR, or ERP, requiring you to scale up to a higher-paid plan to unlock this feature.
- Mobile and Remote Access: Most basic plans don't include mobile access or apps. However, this is an essential feature for teams with remote or field-based staff that's worth paying a bit extra for.
- Advanced Time Tracking: Basic software usually only offers simple clock-in and clock-out features. In contrast, advanced plans include sophisticated time-tracking options, such as GPS tracking, biometrics, and mobile accessibility.
- Better Support and Training: Upgrading typically comes with access to premium customer support and training resources. This ensures your team can effectively use the software and address any issues promptly.
Ultimately, it's important to secure a plan that offers the features you require to satisfy your current needs and solve your challenges without exceeding your budget.
New & Noteworthy Product Updates
Below, I've summarized the most recent release notes and product updates for my top workforce management software recommendations. Discover what’s now possible through new feature releases, improvements, and updates for web, desktop, and mobile apps. Learn what’s new, if it’s hot—or not, and why it matters for workforce management.
2024 Q4: WFM Software Updates
Paycor Update Notes
During Q4 of 2024, Paycor announced the release of Paycor Assistant, an AI-powered HR companion designed to enhance user interaction with their solutions.
Paycor Assistant provides a conversational interface for quick access to Paycor's features. Key tools include Intelligent Search for guided navigation, HR Assist for document summaries and policy answers, and Admin Insights for tracking metrics and employee feedback.
By streamlining responses to HR-related inquiries, Paycor Assistant reduces administrative tasks, allowing leaders to focus on strategic objectives such as talent development and business performance. This innovation reflects Paycor's commitment to enhancing the customer experience through AI, providing expertise at users' fingertips.
Verdict: Hot! For Paycor users, Paycor Assistant will reduce time spent on administrative tasks, improve productivity, and enhance their users experience.
Remofirst Update Notes
During Q4 of 2024, Remofirst launched a new, modern design for its platform. This updated look aligns with the company's mission to enable the "Freedom of Work," making it easier for businesses to build international teams at competitive prices.
For users, the redesign enhances the user experience by providing a more intuitive and visually appealing interface. This improvement simplifies navigation and access to Remofirst's services, supporting businesses in their global expansion efforts.
Verdict: Warm? I'm excited to hear that the user experience has been improved, but sadly the press release was pretty sparse on details regarding the actual changes.
Jotform Update Notes
Jotform recently introduced a new product, Jotform Workflows, which is an evolution of its previous Approvals feature that's designed to automate entire business processes without the need for coding.
This enhancement allows users to create custom workflows that integrate conditional logic, third-party applications, and payment processing. The platform supports multiple integrations, enabling tasks such as automatically triggering and assigning tasks based on predefined triggers.
By streamlining complex processes, Jotform Workflows saves time and resources, offering a cost-effective solution compared to traditional business process management software. Its intuitive, no-code interface empowers organizations to automate tasks efficiently, fostering increased productivity and operational efficiency.
Verdict: Hot! This enhanced product will help HR teams build more automations for trigger-based tasks without needing to enlist help from IT.
Rippling Update Notes
During Q4 of 2024, Rippling announced a handful of new features for its HCM product to optimize workforce planning, scheduling, and employee management for global HR teams. This release targets streamlined staffing and compliance, providing new tools to tackle common scheduling and management challenges.
The update includes an intelligent scheduling tool that applies rules based on demand, skills, and availability. Enhanced workforce planning lets managers forecast needs and adjust in real-time, while improved management tools make tracking shifts, time off, and availability simpler and more accurate.
Collectively, these updates reduce manual scheduling and minimize errors in workforce planning, particularly for companies with large, dynamic teams. By automating scheduling and tracking, Rippling empowers HR teams to improve workforce utilization, enhance employee satisfaction, and stay compliant with labor regulations, all of which contribute to a more streamlined and productive workplace.
Verdict: Hot! By automating key processes, Rippling helps HR teams boost workforce efficiency, increase employee satisfaction, and maintain regulatory alignment.
TimeTrex Update Notes
TimeTrex recently announced it is ending access to its Free Open Source Software (FOSS) On-Site Community Edition. Current versions will still work, but there will be no updates, patches, or support for services like email and notifications after this month.
This change reflects a shift toward cloud-based solutions that are easier to manage and align better with business needs. With fewer clients needing open-source software on-site, TimeTrex will focus on its commercial offerings that cover scheduling, time tracking, payroll, and HR.
TimeTrex will help Community Edition users move to either upgraded on-site options or its cloud-hosted version. This support ensures users can keep using TimeTrex’s tools with the added benefits of updates and support.
Verdict: Not hot, but also, not too surprising from a business perspective.
Workforce Management Software: Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some answers to frequently asked questions you may have about workforce management software and how it works:
What is workforce management?
Workforce management refers to the day-to-day operations of managing your employees. This includes many common human resource management tasks, such as scheduling employees, processing timesheets, forecasting future labor management needs, tracking absence management, and overseeing performance management. Workforce management also usually involves monitoring employee productivity by measuring HR metrics or key performance indicators (KPIs) to ensure your workers are achieving your organizational goals.
The good news is, workforce management software is designed to offer you all the functionalities you need to manage your workforce from within one software system. They include modules for all the key functions I’ve mentioned above, plus extras like task management tools and payroll software too.
For more details on this visit this article: What is Workforce Management Software: Types and Key Features.
What's the difference between workforce management and workforce planning?
Sometimes people use the terms workforce management and workforce planning interchangeably. However, they not the same thing.
Workforce management is focused more on day-to-day operations and ensuring you have the right people for the right roles. Common aspects that fall under workforce management include employee scheduling, time and attendance management, and payroll.
Workforce planning is focused more on the future and aligning your employees with your organizational goals. Common aspects that fall under workforce planning include strategic planning, analyzing the existing skills of your workforce and upskilling staff to fill any projected skill gaps, anticipating future staffing needs (headcount analysis), and succession planning.
Both workforce management and workforce planning are crucial for organizational success and can have a positive impact on increasing profit and productivity. In addition to the WFM software in this list, we also have a list of the best workforce planning software if you’re looking for software to help your team with strategic decision-making.
If you need help with your workforce planning, I also recommend reading our article on identifying skills and conducting a skills gap analysis.
What is the best type of workforce management software for international teams?
Managing an international team requires workforce management software that can handle diverse needs such as different time zones, languages, local labor laws, and compliance requirements. However, the best fit for your organization will depend on your specific needs, the size of your team, the countries you operate in, and the complexity of your operations.
There are some all-in-one platforms that do exist, which typically are offered through Employer of Record (EOR) service agreements. I’ve explored many of these platforms already, so below are some links to in-depth reviews of several excellent platforms for managing an international workforce:
If you’re new to the EOR concept, I recommend reading our complete guide to employer of record services next.
Can these platforms be customized for specific industries?
Yes, many workforce management platforms offer customization options to cater to the unique needs of various industries, including healthcare, retail, manufacturing, and more. This flexibility allows businesses to tailor features such as scheduling, compliance tracking, and labor forecasting to fit their specific operational requirements.
If you’re looking for a solution for a highly-regulated, safety-sensitive industry, my list of the best safety management software is worth reviewing too.
Are there any hidden costs associated with these tools?
When it comes to workforce management software, hidden costs can arise in areas like implementation, training, additional features, and upgrades. It’s crucial to ask about these potential expenses upfront and consider them when calculating the total cost of ownership for these software solutions.
How do these software solutions handle data security?
The software developers behind workforce management software ensure compliance with global data protection regulations like GDPR, which is a critical component of their security measures. Other data security methods include:
- Robust encryption methods
- Multi-factor authentication, and
- Regular security audits to protect sensitive information.
Integrating Workforce Management Software Into Your Business
Introducing any new workplace tool comes with an adjustment period. Actually, it can even come with hurdles. From setup and data migration, to staff adoption, to connecting it with your existing tech stack, it can feel overwhelming. But before you get caught up in the doom spiral of adding yet another tool to your toolkit, take a breath. There are ways to set yourself up for success, and I’m here to help you out with that.
When selecting a new workforce management software, be sure to consider the setup, onboarding, and implementation process. Thinking ahead will make for a smoother integration and ultimately, a better ROI. Here are two key areas to investigate, either through a provider’s website, free trial, or product demo:
1. Integration With Existing Systems
People switch between 10 apps 25 times per day on average to do their work.
– 2021 Anatomy of Work Index, Asana¹
This becomes a huge time suck, and having proper software integrations can really make a difference. If you tech stack isn’t communicating, it’s going to slow you down!
Before you swipe the company card on a new employee management software, check in on these important factors:
- Where is employee data currently stored?
- How are you managing payroll and benefits administration?
- What tools support your performance and talent management efforts?
- How are you tracking employee engagement?
- What recruitment, hiring, and onboarding systems are you using?
Of course, take into account any other core HR functions that will need to work well with your new software. From there, make a list of your existing tech stack and look for integrations with those tools when you’re doing your research. If you pursue a software demo, ask the person showing you around about key integrations you’ll need and what they’re capable of.
2. Future Planning and Scalability
Once you’ve narrowed down your selection based on its available integrations, you need to also take a step back and think long-term. This software might be a good fit for the current state of your business, but will it be the right tool a year from now?
Scalability is a very important factor to consider, especially for quickly growing businesses. On the one hand, there’s no sense in jumping into an enterprise-level platform when you’re a 300-person SMB. On the other hand, will a software geared towards startups really be able to keep up as you scale?
Here are a few things to reflect on related to future planning and software scalability:
- What are the specific features and functionalities you currently need in a workforce management solution? What ones might you need in the future?
- What will be the cost associated with implementing a new software solution now? How would that cost grow relative to the anticipated business growth you foresee for the next 6 months, or one year out?
- Does the software offer multiple pricing tiers, and do the higher-tiered plans offer features and functionalities that will be valuable to you as your workforce grows?
Thinking ahead will help you make a better software selection for the medium- and long-term. And this will avoid the headache of data migration and the rigamarole of implementing yet another new tool down the road!
3. Onboarding, Training, and Support
31% of employees say they need better support on software adoption.
– The State of Digital Adoption Report 2022, Userlane²
You need software that works for your team, and not the other way around. Even the most user-friendly platforms come with a ‘getting to know you’ phase. So as you’re seeking out software options, keep an eye out for:
- What’s offered as far as user onboarding
- What types of customer service (email, phone, live chat) are available at each pricing tier
- Whether a self-serve help center is available, and if the content is any good
- If tutorials and how-to videos are available
- If a user community or forum is available
These are all great ways to ensure you’ll be set up for success in implementing the software. Make sure any employee who will be using the tool has access to key support. Whether that’s in the form of documentation, training, or a support agent.
Other Workforce Management Software Reviews
When it comes to workforce management, the right software for you will depend on your unique business needs. Here are some links to other software types that also cross over with workforce management tools:
- Employee Scheduling Software
- Attendance Tracking Software
- Employee Monitoring Software
- Contractor Management Software
- Succession Planning Software
- Performance Management Tools
- Talent Management Systems
- Employee Engagement Software
- Benefits Administration Software
- Staffing & Recruiting Software
Final Thoughts
To sum everything up, workforce management software can be a powerful asset for any organization looking to streamline operations, enhance productivity, and support employee engagement.
As a next step, consider identifying your primary challenges—be it scheduling, time tracking, or compliance—and align these with the software options that best fit your organization’s size, budget, and goals.
Investing in the right workforce management solution can create a more efficient, motivated, and agile workforce, setting your organization up for long-term success.
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Sources Cited
- https://asana.com/resources/anatomy-of-work
- https://www.userlane.com/report/the-state-of-digital-adoption-report